Deaths linked to London air pollution have fallen 40%, study estimates

Deaths linked to air pollution fell by an estimated 40% in London over the five years from 2019, according to new analysis. The city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, welcomed what he called “overwhelming evidence” that his ultra-low emission zone was saving lives. The figures come from a study by Imperial College London which also found that toxic air pollution in London had reduced sharply, with nitrogen dioxide levels down 41% and fine particulate pollution down 28%. Imperial’s researchers said updated scientific evidence showed that the impact of air pollution on health was greater than previously understood, with previous estimates attributing 4,000 premature deaths in 2019 to air pollution. That figure has been revised up to an estimated 6,400-8,000 premature deaths in 2019, falling to 3,800-5,100 in 2024. Dr David Dajnak, from the Imperial Environmental Research Group, said: “Our study highlights two key findings: London’s air quality has improved markedly since 2019, but despite this progress, air pollution remains a serious public health risk.” Recent evidence shows stronger associations between air pollution and cardiovascular conditions, dementia and diabetes, as well as respiratory diseases. …